March 2023

Dear Southlands Community,

 The long, wet winter is hardly abating this March, and yet we see crocuses and daffodils pushing through, hoping for a glimpse of the sun.  The promise of spring is also time for the Southlands’ Annual Membership Drive, and the membership year begins April 1.

This year we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Southlands!  In 1983, Mrs. Dows established the Southlands Foundation with its School of Horsemanship and its farm as a sanctuary for birds and animals and for the benefit of the local communities.  As Southlands widens the range of its community engagement, we continue our partnerships with the Samaritan-Daytop program and the Bulkeley Middle School. We also look forward to hosting summer events at Southlands that offer opportunities to enjoy our inspiring landscape.

 The School of Horsemanship is the core of our mission at Southlands offering riding lessons, camps, horse shows, and hands-on learning about the care of our equine friends.  We are proud of our program that delights in our youngest riders in “Mommy and Me”, our adult riders who have ridden at Southlands for decades, and everyone in between.   

Our program is robust, and our staff is constantly looking for ways to keep costs down, but the maintenance of our operation is very expensive and our costs continue to rise.  Your commitment to the mission of Southlands and your support is as important as ever.

 Please note that some membership levels have increased slightly to reflect our increasing expenses. Our lesson and boarding rates will have modest increases beginning May 1.  Your membership contribution is tax-deductible and, as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity, we qualify for many corporate matching gift programs. 

With best wishes for a new season and many thanks,

 Elise Quasebarth

President,  The Southlands Foundation